There are multiple ways to relax. Here are 4 simple ones you can do on your own.
1. Meditate: Take a few minutes a day. Sit comfortably, put both feet on the floor, close your eyes and focus on a positive mantra (I am the change I want to see in the world), repeat the mantra in your head or aloud slowly in rhythm with your breath. Let all thoughts float away from your mind.
2. Deep Breathing: Take 5 minutes. Sit comfortably and focus on your breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose and feel the breath start in your abdomen and move to the top of your head and with each breath you exhale say to yourself “relax.”
3. Tune Into Your Body: Lie down and focus on each part of your body from your toes to your scalp. Notice how your body feels.
4. Guided imagery: Sit comfortably, if you have a recliner, lay back and rest your head and feet. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths. Use all of your sensations to imagine a comfortable place that you love. Remember all the images in your safe place, the sounds, smells, temperature, textures and tastes. Take time every day to visit your comfortable place. Add a positive affirmation to your comfortable place to strengthen your resolve to accomplish your resistance goals. (We will practice this technique in the workshop.)
CONCLUSION There will be setbacks and victories along the road to resistance. Remember to pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You are not alone. There are millions of people across the United States who are resisting and working to make the world safer, more inclusive, democratic and supportive. Resist. Relax. Persist. Repeat until we become the change we want to see in our great nation.
1. The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way (Lantern Books, 2006). Hillary Rettig http://lifelongactivist.com/
2. My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King and Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds
3. In the tiger's mouth: an empowerment guide for social action, Katrina Shields, how to avoid burnout, network, create stable groups, how to approach listeners with bad news that they may not want to hear. Includes exercises that encourage discovery & growth, for individuals & groups.